Understanding a Positive IGRA Result

A positive IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus) result means that your immune system has responded to TB antigens, indicating that TB bacteria are present in your body. However, a positive blood test alone does not tell us whether you have active TB disease or latent TB infection — two very different conditions with different implications for your immigration case.

Active TB disease means the bacteria are multiplying and causing illness. Latent TB infection means the bacteria are present but dormant, causing no symptoms and posing no risk of transmission to others. The vast majority of people with a positive TB blood test have latent TB infection, not active disease.

What Happens After a Positive TB Blood Test

When your IGRA result is positive, our civil surgeon will take the following steps to complete your evaluation:

• Review your TB history, symptoms, and risk factors
• Order a chest X-ray to look for signs of active TB disease
• Perform a physical examination focused on TB-related findings
• Assess for symptoms such as cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss
• Document all findings on Form I-693

Positive TB Test With Normal Chest X-Ray

If your IGRA is positive but your chest X-ray is normal and you have no symptoms of active TB disease, the civil surgeon will classify your finding as latent TB infection. This is documented on Form I-693 and submitted to USCIS.

Latent TB infection is generally not a ground of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. Your immigration application can typically proceed. However, USCIS may note the finding in your file and recommend that you follow up with a healthcare provider after obtaining your green card to discuss whether treatment for latent TB is appropriate.

Positive TB Test With Abnormal Chest X-Ray

If your IGRA is positive and your chest X-ray shows findings that may be consistent with active TB disease — such as infiltrates, cavities, or lymphadenopathy — additional evaluation is required. Our civil surgeon will refer you for further workup, which may include sputum testing to look for TB bacteria.

If active TB disease is confirmed, your Form I-693 cannot be finalized until treatment is completed and you are no longer infectious. Active TB disease is a ground of inadmissibility. Once treatment is successfully completed and documented, your immigration case can move forward.

Our Commitment to Guiding You Through the Process

A positive TB test result can be stressful, especially when you are in the middle of an immigration application. Our civil surgeon will explain your results clearly, answer your questions, and outline the next steps. We are committed to completing your Form I-693 as efficiently as possible while ensuring all findings are accurately documented in accordance with CDC technical instructions.